Korea Microneedling: Differences Between Olive Young Home Devices and Skin beauty Clinics
- Author : プリミクリニック
- Date : 2024.12.06 20:10
- Views : 115
Hello, this is the Korean dermatology clinic, Primi Clinic.
Do you know the differences between home-use microneedling devices sold at stores like Olive Young and the professional microneedling used in dermatology clinics?
As interest in home care continues to grow, many people are curious about how home microneedling differs from professional dermatological treatments. This post will summarize everything you need to know about the following topics:
- What are the effects of derma rollers, and are there any side effects?
- What is the recommended frequency for microneedling, and how should devices be sanitized?
What are MTS, derma rollers, and derma stamps? Which is recommended?
1. Derma Stamps vs. Derma Rollers
Derma Stamp
Derma Roller
Derma stamps are used by pressing the device one-by-one against the skin, just like stamping a seal. This is one of the earliest models.
Derma rollers, on the other hand, come with a wheel that allows the needles to automatically pierce the skin as you roll it. Due to the fear of having to press needles directly into the skin, derma stamps are rarely used these days, and derma rollers are more commonly recommended.
Both operate on the same principle, and their advantages and disadvantages are also similar.
Derma rollers are recommended for their affordability, costing around 10,000 KRW (approximately $10).
However, a significant drawback is that they are difficult to manage.
Since the needles of derma rollers penetrate the skin directly and are not replaceable, proper disinfection before and after use is essential.
2. Auto MTS (Microneedling Therapy System)
The Auto Microneedling Therapy System (Auto MTS) is the latest model, and it is widely used in dermatology clinics.
I also recommend Auto MTS over derma rollers for the following reasons:
- The needle tips (cartridges) are single-use, so the machine itself does not require disinfection.
- The machine vibrates, resulting in less pain compared to derma rollers.
- The procedure is much faster.
- Auto MTS is more effective than derma rollers.
(The rapid piercing allows for denser needle coverage compared to manual rollers.)
The downside, however, is the higher cost.
(The machine itself costs around 100,000 KRW, and single-use cartridges start at 3,000 KRW each.)
Effects and Side Effects of Derma Rollers & MTS
The effects of derma rollers and microneedling include:
- Enhanced drug absorption by creating micro-channels in the skin after applying ampoules.
- Stimulating dermal regeneration by causing micro-injuries in the dermis.
For home-use MTS, the needle length is limited to a maximum of 0.25mm, which cannot penetrate deeply into the dermis. Therefore, most users focus on effect #1.
However, some users experience bleeding even with home-use devices.
Bleeding indicates that the needles have reached the blood vessels in the deeper dermis, and in such cases, users may also benefit from effect #2 (dermal regeneration).
How to Sanitize Derma Rollers
If you choose to use derma rollers instead of Auto MTS, proper disinfection is mandatory.
Here’s how to disinfect your derma roller:
- Submerge the needles completely in a solution.
- Use at least 80% alcohol (ethanol) or hydrogen peroxide.
- Let it soak for at least 1 hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with saline solution or distilled water.
- Disinfect your face with an alcohol swab before using the device.
Recommended Features for Derma Rollers & MTS
Here are the two most important factors to consider:
-
Needle Length
- The epidermis of the face is about 0.1–0.2mm thick, so the maximum approved length for home-use devices, 0.25mm, is recommended.
- The epidermis of the face is about 0.1–0.2mm thick, so the maximum approved length for home-use devices, 0.25mm, is recommended.
- Needle Material
- Since the needles come into direct contact with the skin, they must be hygienic
- To effectively create micro-channels, the needles should also be sharp.
Most surgical tools used in hospitals are made of titanium.
Titanium is corrosion-resistant, highly durable, and can be sharpened to a fine point. Additionally, titanium dioxide coating provides proven antibacterial properties, making it suitable for medical devices.
Thus, titanium is the recommended material for needles.
How is Professional Microneedling Different from Home-Use Devices?
The primary difference lies in the needle length.
Home-use devices are limited to 0.25mm, which can only reach the very surface of the dermis and cannot deliver medications to deeper layers.
The dermis in the human face is about 2–3mm thick, so home-use microneedling devices cannot effectively treat scars or reach deep dermal layers.
If you are aiming to treat scars or enlarged pores, professional microneedling at a dermatology clinic is the better choice.
MTS Frequency
The skin undergoes a constant renewal process called turnover, where cells regenerate from the lower dermis to the outer layer (epidermis).
For the dermis, this turnover process typically takes about 4 weeks, depending on age and skin condition.
For home-use devices, since they do not penetrate the entire dermis, a frequency of once every 2–3 weeks is recommended.
Side Effects and Precautions for Home-Use MTS
Potential side effects include:
- Prolonged redness due to skin injury.
- Risk of infection if the device or skin is not properly disinfected.
- Allergic reactions if the ampoule used is irritating or unsuitable for the skin.
Who should avoid microneedling?
-
Those with melasma
Melasma can worsen with physical or chemical irritation, so avoid MTS, scrubbing, or chemical peeling.
-
Those with flat warts
Flat warts are caused by the HPV virus, and using MTS on affected areas can spread the infection across the face.
-
Those with pustular acne or herpes
Since these are infectious diseases, using needles on these areas can exacerbate the condition and spread the infection.